The charity’s spring appeal saw 1284 donations pour in, with supporters also asked to suggest a name for the new arrival.Maggie McElhinney, 70, from Rutherglen, won a competition to name the bus.(Image: ugc)

A Rutherglen woman helped unveil a new bus for Erskine Veterans Charity after winning a competition to name it.

‘Bonnie the Bus’ is a brand-new minibus bought with funds raised by the charity’s army of supporters who raised more than £75,000 in just a few months.

And it was Maggie McElhinney, from Rutherglen, who won a competition to name the vehicle.

The 70-year-old said: “I’ve supported Erskine for years and I was delighted to suggest a name. To know it will now be seen on the road, taking veterans to the places they love, is really special.”

Bonnie will now join ‘Shuggy the Shuttle’, who has clocked up 26,500 miles since 2021, ferrying veterans to hospital appointments, seaside fish-and-chip runs, football matches, museums and even the world-famous Royal Edinburgh Tattoo.

The charity’s spring appeal saw 1284 donations pour in, with supporters also asked to suggest a name for the new arrival. A total of 140 entries were received before Bonnie, suggested by Maggie, was crowned the winner.

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Bonnie is a standard 16-seater minibus, with its main purpose being the transportation of Erskine Veterans Activity Centre West members. The bus will support veterans by enabling group outings and social activities—providing the transport they need for trips, events, and the everyday moments that matter most.

“This minibus is more than just transport, it’s a gateway to independence and connection,” said Wing Commander Ian Cumming MBE, Erskine’s chief executive.

“Without our supporters, we simply couldn’t provide this vital part of our services. Every donation, big or small, helps ensure our Veterans continue to live full and active lives. Bonnie will make a real difference.”

Maggie McElhinney, 70, from Rutherglen, won a competition to name the bus.(Image: ugc)

Erskine Veterans Charity is more than a charity — it’s a community, a family, and a lifeline for Scotland’s Veterans and their loved ones. Since 1916, it has provided expert care and unwavering support for ex-service men and women, continually evolving to meet the changing needs of those who have served our country.

As Scotland’s leading provider of care for Veterans and their spouses, Erskine continues to make a meaningful difference in the lives of veterans as the only charity in Scotland to offer such a wide-ranging suite of person-centred services for its beneficiaries.

Erskine delivers outstanding nursing, residential and dementia care in its specialist homes on the East and West coasts. However its support extends beyond care homes: through its Veterans Village in Bishopton, it provides 44 family cottages, five assisted living apartments, and 23 transitional supported accommodation apartments for veterans of various ages and life stages.

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It also helps veterans thrive within their own local communities. Erskine’s activity centres in Bishopton and Forres offer a safe space for veterans to come together with like-minded people to connect, engage in purposeful activities, learn new skills, and access support. In addition, its regional home support service offers older veterans the friendly assistance which they need to live well with independence and dignity in their own home.

Go to www.erskine.org.uk to find out more about Erskine Veterans Charity’s work.

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